He added: "This demonstrates London's ability to host top-class sporting fixtures and promote them to a world-wide audience."

To manage the crowds Metropolitan Police officers were aided by 1,800 officers from Kent along with a team of 45 French officers.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur said: "This weekend is an excellent example of the skills, professionalism and partnership working that we can deliver in order to provide a safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012."

Giant screens were also put up in some places along the route.

Whitehall, Parliament Street and Victoria Embankment, will be closed throughout the weekend.